Can't backup ME3 from Mod Manager

[autumn wind]

Hello, I don't want to come across as a complete idiot but I can't seem to backup my ME3 install. I purchased the non-legendary edition of Mass Effect 3, I have tried backing up the game via Steam but if I direct the Mod program to that folder for the backup it doesn't find an executable. If I direct the program to the Steam install of it in the programfilesx86 path it says 'Cannot use this target as backup: It is the current path for this game' I have tried copying the exe to another folder and directing the backup to that file but also the same message. Please advise this non-tech savvy individual if possible. I have already started fresh by uninstalling from Steam and then deleting any remaining folders/files before reinstalling from Steam afterwards.
Thank you for your help and patience.

-Traviche

[viscid yew]

i'm heading to bed so i won't be able to offer more focused help right now, but you need to target an exes in the folder where it needs to be within steam. that's how it picks up the whole game.

i'm wondering if you're not actually opening the right folder. can you paste the exact file path you originally used for steam?

[viscid yew]

yeah - as munchy shows in this anmiated gif, you can see the folders you need within the mass effect sub folders here. so you'd need to find this within steam.

C:\Whatever your Steam Path Is\Mass Effect Legendary Edition\Game\ME3\Binaries\Win64

your me3 exes shoudl be in that folder.

if that's not working and yu're sure you're in the right place and you can't target them, then i'm not sure of the issue

but i'd suggest uploading a log and diag and perhaps someone else can take a look.

!m3log

[primal drum]

Uploading a game diagnostic or application log

Upload a diagnostic/log by going to the Help menu and selecting Logs & Diagnostics. Alternatively can also click this link: https://me3tweaks.com/modmanager/protocol/uploadlog

Select an application log (typically the latest), and the game target to run a diagnostic on if this an issue in the game.

When the log has been uploaded, post the LINK to the log here.

[magic carbon]

It's the same process for the original games, I believe.

[viscid yew]

oh goodness sorry i totally missed that you weren't using Legendary Edition

yes, i think the ME3 filepath will be approximately similar

it'll be in a "binaries/Win64" subpath. it hink the other two games don't have the subfolder and the exes are directly in binaries folder? but i could be misremembering.

[magic carbon]

Yeah I can't remember either